UHS grab win but Animals grab rewards

It was arguably a dirty day for Emmaus St Leo’s on Saturday, both literally and metaphorically. In the week before the triple header, Melbourne’s weather and three nights of training ravaged the Bennettswood Reserve oval, leaving pockets of mud and the opportunities for slipping everywhere. Both men’s team were again felled by Aquinas after jumping out of the blocks early and despite some on field heroics.

But just like the weather where blue skies broke through the grey clouds every once and awhile, there were moments of sunshine on field as well, especially for the women’s team who managed to score in a way they hadn’t managed in weeks against ladder-leaders UHS-VU.

In the first quarter, the Animalettes managed to stem the bleeding slightly, only allowing their opponents to kick 3.4.22 in stark contrast to their first encounter earlier on in the year where they finished the first quarter 7.2.44. But it was the second quarter the Animalettes should specifically remember when they think of the game, limiting UHS-VU to just three scoring shots and only an addition of 8 points. Whilst they themselves only managed to score one behind, it was their work in the midfield and their ability to put pressure on their opponents that did the job. Also in the second quarter was the first score on the board for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team as Sheridan Harris received a free kick for holding the ball and misfired a kick in the direction of Ashleigh Morley, who still collected it and would have kicked her first goal had it not been for the hand of a UHS-VU player who touched it on the line.

At the half time break, the mood in the change rooms was good despite the scoreline after a decent first half. In third quarter, the intensity dropped a little bit but the Animalettes still managed to set shots on goal, one from Jess Evans and the other from Soraya Jeanes. Unfortunately both missed, but the efforts that got them there were not lost on anybody.

It was in the fourth quarter that Shannon Harris managed to snag her first goal of the year, and inadvertently the club, giving the Animalettes a well-deserved reward after continuous pressure all game. Harris dropped a sitter kicked by Sam Hogarth at the top of the goal square but in what wasn’t a great show of defence, her direct opponent had already taken to protecting the goal line, which allowed Harris the time to collect, set, and send the ball through. Players came from everywhere to celebrate the score, showing how united they are as a team despite some rough times. Sarah Dawson also played her first game in the blue and blue, and lined up for a set shot after taking an impressive chest mark with a couple of minutes to go in the 4th, unfortunately missing to the right.

UHS-VU finished the game 13.13.91 to 1.4.10 which had both women’s coaches supremely happy. They were impressed with their charges’ abilities to compete against a top side and stick with it for the entire four quarters, despite small moments here and there. For the Animalettes, it seems like for most of the season they’ve had all the right pieces, they just haven’t been falling into place at the right times. With four games left of the season, Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team have the opportunity to finish off with a bang. This weekend, they travel to St. James Park for the first time to take on Swinburne University, and it’s set to be a cracker!

Ressies rolled, Seniors slump after six goal start

It was a dark day in more ways than one at Bennettswood Reserve as both Men’s sides failed to avenge their earlier falls to Aquinas, going down by 75 points in twos and 23 points in the Seniors. It’s a loss which sees the Seniors tumble out of the 4 before a month off.

The weather seemed to match the mood of the day, with Aquinas solidifying their position in the top 2 of both sections, making the most of the moist conditions on the day.

Aquinas Reserves started strongly, playing like there had been no rain all week, opening up with a 5 goal quarter to put the Animals on the back foot early.

Tom Birkett would kick the Animals first early on in the second, in what at the time was a reward for the tide starting to turn, however Aquinas would turn the screws going in to the half and held a healthy lead into the long change.

The Animals once again came out strong, and gave themselves a glimmer of hope halfway through the third with Will Morris, Joe Anker, and Zach Kearns scoring to bring the margin within something manageable. However Aquinas again responded, and kicked 3 goals themselves to keep get it back to an 8 goal lead at the last. to

It was then when Aquinas put their foot down and lashed out with a 6 goal to 2 final term to blow the margin out and stay top of the table.

It was not all doom and gloom however, with the return of Alex Maunder to the backline showing promising signs for the final games of the year, whilst James Rippon and Zac “KD” Durrant featuring in the best on votes.

The Seniors started their match a lot brighter, kicking the first 6 goals of the contest and blowing Aquinas out of the water to start.

The ambush was led by co-captain Chris Beluszar who was off the chain in the opening term, dominating play and providing a boost to the entire side. When swingman Michael Davis and small forward Dan Hill both hit the board, the Animals were firing on all cylinders.

The Animals raced out to a 39-0 lead, and then the fightback started.

Aquinas snagged two late, and it would spark a landslide, with the Bloods kicking 14 of the last 17 goals kicked in the contest.

Aquinas struck early and often in the second, and pulled ahead just before the half, as the weather moved in again.

In a familiar position of allowing their opponent back in the contest, the Animals came out hard to start the third strong, and hit the lead midway through the quarter. However Aquinas would not stay down for a long, and kicked out to a 2 goal lead late on in the third.

Much like their Reserve counterparts, Aquinas would kick away in the last, and ran out 14.6.90 to 9.13.67 winners, making the Animals pay for their inaccuracy in front of goal again.

It’s a loss that sees the Animals slump to 4 losses in their last 5, and slip out of the 4 before three straight weeks off before a trip over the Westgate to Westbourne.

Again, not all was lost on the day, with Dan Hill making a successful return to senior footy with 3 snags, whilst the Collins boys (Jesse and Ben) both featured heavily in a strong performance.

Animals true colours on show before VU clash

For the last time in the 2019 home and away season, all three Emmaus St Leo’s teams are playing at home at Bennettswood Reserve. As always, the women’s team are kicking off proceedings, and will be playing host to ladder-leaders UHS-VU. The Animalettes are doing some serious soul searching on the back of a six-game losing streak and will be looking to remedy that come Saturday. Last week they showed pure Animals spirit despite being down on the scoreboard by a significant amount and the expectation is that they will do the same on the weekend.

Last time they saw each other, UHS-VU ran away winners incredibly comfortably and since then have kept their perch at the top of the ladder, sitting at 8-1 after 9 games. It doesn’t look as good for the Animalettes who after their 2 wins early on in the season now sit 2-7. UHS-VU are coming off a significantly smaller win than a few they’ve already had against the Hampton Rovers, whilst the Animalettes are still nursing some wounds after a 91-0 loss to Oakleigh. Both teams will have something to prove on Saturday.

At the selection table, Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team will once again be without a bench but they do have one debutant, even this late in the season. Starting back is Claire Anderson, Sam Bridgland and Brooke Chapman, with Shellby Lonie, Kayla Hetherington and Dee Burden at the half back line, providing support. On the wings, Soraya Jeanes makes her return on one side and Grace de Cesare the other. Cassy Dutton will start in the ruck, with Sam Hogarth, Shanelle Blachford, and Abbey Gray, who will don the blue and blue for the first time, at her feet. In the forward half of the ground, Ashleigh Morley, Sheridan Harris and Jess Evans will start at the half forward line, and Bridget Monaghan and Shannon Harris are to share the space deep.

Despite low numbers at training, Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team are still 100% committed and will look to prove their worth against a side making a strong push for the flag. Did UHS-VU have the home ground advantage last time they went into battle against the Animalettes? With 17 players named, will no bench once again inspire some belief and spirit? Get down to Bennettswood Reserve and find out. Stick around to watch the men take on Aquinas in must-win games! First bounce is at 9.20am.

Key ins for Aquinas revenge quest

A slew of key inclusions for the Animals see them gear up for the the first big test of the second half of the season when Aquinas come to Bennettswood for the second of their meetings this year.

The Reserves see a new bench come in for the clash, return of ‘Tiny’ Coleman, Louis Fasolino, Will Haydon, and Oscar McVann.

Only Fasolino featured in the clash earlier this season, where the Animals went down by 10 points after trailing by 5 goals at quarter time.

In a low scoring affair in conditions similar to what is expected in the return clash, Aquinas stifled the Animals attacking flair and kept them to their lowest score of the season so far. However an in-form Tom Birkett and Lachlan Gunn up front will be looking to combine again to lift the Animals to victory.

For the Seniors, the return of Co-Captian Harry Davis along with gun running mid Hugh Shaeche sees the Animals clamber back towards their best 22. Lawrence Virgo also makes his way back in after an extended period out, and will return in a familiar forward role.

The Animals will be looking to improve going forward, after a blunt showing last week at the Canterbury Sportsground, but will be coming up an Aquinas side sturdy in defence.

Aquinas were able to keep the Animals at arms length last time out, and Leo’s will be out to prove some doubters wrong and end a streak of 3 losses in 4 games.

Ladies Luncheon gives Animals 20,000 reasons to smile

A move to the Bennettswood Pavilion proved to be a contributing factor into Emmaus St. Leo's raising over $20,000 in funding for Breast Cancer research with this year's instalment of the annual Ladies Luncheon.

Previous years have seen the event held away from Bennettswood in nearby venues, however this year event organisers Harry Davis and Joden Crothers pulled off a spectacular feat by being able to arrange and run the event in the new clubrooms, transforming them into a fantastic pavilion for the event to be held.

Club President Alex Maunder was extremely impressed with the relocation of the event, with plans to go even further in 2020.

"Having brought the Ladies Luncheon back to the rooms at Bennettswood Pavilion we are looking to consolidate this for next year. We have a better understanding of the capacity of the space, and you can be rest assured that we will be doing everything we possibly can to make next year the biggest and best year yet!"

The day was enjoyed by all who attended, seeing new local MP for Burwood Will Fowles appear at the club for the first time since coming on as a new supporter, as well as NBCF guest speaker Katherine Sroka.

Most importantly, $21,078 was raised, all of which will go directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to assist in their fight against Breast Cancer.

When asked about the result, President Maunder could not have been more elated with the outcome.

"I’m immensely proud of everyone involved from the club. Not just those organising, but everyone who reached out and asked someone to come along, or sent a message trying to find raffle prizes, or who shared the posts on our social media pages. It really does take a whole community to have an impact, and the Animals community have certainly risen to the challenge yet again, surpassing even our own expectations by cracking the $20K mark! I obviously have to thank Harry and Joden for all their amazing work in the planning process, but also the whole Davis family for making themselves available and continuing to drive the fundraising efforts."

Credit also goes out to our Men's opponent on the day, Manningham Cobras AFC, who were more than happy to help out with the fundraising efforts, which President Maunder was extremely gracious for.

"Our opposition on the day, Manningham, helped out by making their own donation, and their playing group also made a donation after the seniors’ match. We’d welcome all donations from anyone within the VAFA and encourage all clubs to make an effort to contribute beyond the walls of their own clubs."

On the field, it was a mixed day, with the Women falling gallantly to Oakleigh 32-13, the Reserves fought out a hard earned 106-81 victory, whilst the Seniors were downed in a old fashioned shootout 151-128

Rough morning shows Animals true grit

It wasn’t the greatest day for the Emmaus St Leo’s football club on Saturday when two of its three teams went down, but there were great moments everywhere with the men’s reserves team coming back from a deficit to draw their match with Canterbury. But the brightest moment of the day was arguably the fierce determination and spirit shown by the Animalettes who were down players before their match against Oakleigh had even started. Being without a bench against a team who had more than enough rotations meant that Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team had to find that extra gear and did, despite the scoreboard.

It could have been a game to forget for the Animalettes but they did their very best to make sure it wasn’t. The contests were hard all day, and the effort immense with no reward. Jess Dawson played her best game for the year and inadvertently for the club as she moved to full back and showed what she could do down there. Continuing her impressive form was Shellby Lonie whose presence was felt all over the ground. Trainer-turned-player Holly Pointon literally took one for the team, donning the blue and blue and some borrowed boots to boost the Animalettes’ numbers, and getting a few handy touches that no doubt did wonders for her confidence. Unfortunately, second-year player Amy Ronchi headed to the hospital after dislocating her shoulder and will be out for the rest of the season, decreasing the number of available players by one.

Oakleigh finished the game 14.7.91 to Emmaus St Leo’s 0.0.0 after consistently progressing their score over the four quarters. Despite being down by an insurmountable number on the scoreboard, the Animalettes’ ‘never say die’ attitude never died. Their second and third efforts were there until the very last second, and both coaches were incredibly proud, telling their charges as much during the debrief in the rooms after the final siren with Assistant Coach Brendan Ellwood lauding the determination, and frustrated with the fact that his team continues to consistently do what is asked of them with little to no reward.

With only 5 games left, the Animalettes continue to show that they are capable of anything despite their horror run with the scoreboard. Their dedication to each other and to the club is second to none. This week, they face a healthy challenge in ladder leaders UHS-VU at home at Bennettswood Reserve, kicking off another triple header with the men’s teams looking to get one over Aquinas.

Gunn's drawn in the two's, Seniors slip in the second half

Slow starts, sloppy second halves, and a comeback for the ages has seen the Animals have a Saturday that leaves more questions than answers ahead of the second half of the season.

The Reserves kicked things off by handing the Cobras a three goal lead before Tom Birkett continued his stellar form by dragging the Animals back in to the game with a brace of tight angle goals. Will Morris then kept the Animals within touch with his first goal since July 2017, marking a successful return to the Animals fold.

Canterbury had the lions share of the game in the second half, but the Animals were able to hold on with the Cobras wayward kicking seeing a 2.5 to 1.3 quarter.

The game was being won by the Cobras in the middle, which at one stage of the day may have contained grass, but halfway through what was the second game of the day it created a secondary challenge for all involved, one which the Cobras were able to conquer early.

But after a dressing down at half time, and the discovery of another skill in the ever-growing bag of tricks Joe Anker brings to every game, the Animals swung the momentum. Anker was swung into a tagging role of Canterbury’s best mid in Jordan Tomas. After stand in coach Jonathan Greensides delivered a speech that will be recounted for years to come, Anker locked down Tomas and drew the ire of the Cobras team. Distracted by the side battle, the Animals pounced and made it a two kick game heading into the final term.

The Cobras kicked clear again early in the fourth, but more inspirational play by Anker lifted his teammates and the Animals begun to surge. Slowly but surely Leo’s clawed their way back and with 4 minutes to go it was back to a two kick game.

Enter Josh Webb. Webb had been in and out of the contest throughout the day, but Webb chose the perfect time to unleash his booming left foot to split the sticks in what was his final input of the day from 55m out.

It was the time for the Animal to pull out the big guns, Lachlan Gunn to be exact. After already beating his direct opponent in the air earlier in the quarter, Gunn did it again in almost the exact same spot. Like his earlier kick, gun barrel straight, it was met with a roar from the Animals bench and supporters, and with only 40 seconds left on the clock saw the Animals claw their way back to split the points.

The Seniors were not as slow out of the blocks than their reserve counterparts, but were in a similar position after a quarter of football. Foxy Beluszar was dominant in the air early, with Brent Simons accruing early touches until he was felled in a sweeping movement that ended in an Animals goal.

The second term was the best half hour of football for the day by the Seniors, but were only able to convert 22 inside 50’s in to 3 goals, whilst holding Canterbury to 3 behinds. A backline still missing some key components was doing more than its fair share in shutting down a dangerous Cobra outfit. The brilliance of Paul Baranello was shining through, and he was willing the Animals along. Simons, Emerson Lemkau, and Alex Stokes were all chipping in and the Animal headed into the long break in control of the contest.

However the winds of change swept through after half time, and the Cobras struck often and with intent. A goalless term from the Animals left them reeling as they turned for home, and the rallying cry was put out there for the Animals to stand up and send a message to the Cobras and the rest of the league.

Canterbury were the ones who made their own statement however, and in the late winter sun that bathed the Canterbury Sportsground kicked 4 goals to run away with a 32 point win and leave the Animals searching for answers entering the second half of the season.

The reserves stay in 3rd on the table, now with the wildcard element of a draw to their points total, whilst the Seniors stay 4th but see their spot in the 4 still far from secure.

Animals look to charm Canterbury

In a rare moment of symmetry, Emmaus (3-3 and 4-2) will travel to their closest rival in 2019 when they take on Canterbury (4-2 and 3-3).

Both clubs will be aiming to draw level and move away from each other on the table which is slowly taking shape, but does not have long left to reveal its final form, with both sides officially hitting the halfway mark of their campaigns.

The Reserves will look cement another week in 3rd when they take on Canterbury who sit one game behind the Animals, and will do so with the Divisions leading goalkicker in Tom Birkett.

Birkett’s 9 goal outing last time out against North Brunswick catapulted him to the top of the pile, and he will be looking to do the same, if not more damage, against a side that failed to inflict the same amount of defeat on the same opponent.

Will Morris makes his long awaited Animals return in the ruck, and will look to feed a star-studded middle for the Animals Twos featuring a returning Jason Schinck and Kieran Jenkins

The Senior Animals will be looking to peg back their closest rivals on the table when they travel the brief 15 minute ride to Canterbury Sportsground in a delayed start.

Co-Captain Harry Davis will miss the vital mid-season clash, but coach Ian Ledder is still able to name a strong line-up for the clash.

Sean Howard comes in for the middle Davis on the bench, in one of two changes for the Seniors after their 75 point demolition job of North Brunswick before the Queens Bye.

Vice-Captain Nathan Bird stays forward after kicking 7 goals in his last two games, whilst Brent Simons will start the game forward with him. It has been the Animals ability for their midfielders to rest forward and still heavily impact the game which has many still positive about what lays ahead for the second half of the year.

Alex Stokes will start in the ruck, with regular ruckman Kevin Moloney relieving him from the benches in what will undoubtedly be yet another consistently fantastic shift delivered by the man the call “Kev”.

A slight shuffle down back sees the other ruckman in Chook O’Connor starts at CHB for the Animals, with Joden Crothers moving closer to goal to assist Sam Argus and Ben Collins.

The Cobras are undefeated at home in 2019 in both divisions, with their Twos already eclipsing their total number of wins in 2018, whilst the seniors 4 wins in 5 guys has seen them leave an opening round drubbing the past.

Both games have slightly delayed start times

Animals look to avoid the Krush

Football is finally back for Emmaus St Leo’s this weekend after a VAFA-wide bye due to the Queen’s birthday and it’s the women’s team kicking off proceedings as always with a game against Oakleigh away from home.

The Animalettes are feeling fresh and ready to attack the latter part of the season the only way they know how, with Animals spirit. Oakleigh headed into the bye off a 76-0 thrashing by UHS-VU at home and will be looking for redemption. It’s a new venue for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team, who haven’t been to W.A Scammell Reserve before, and they’ll look to make it their own this coming Saturday.

It’s becoming the tale of the season, with Oakleigh sitting on 12 points and one rung above the Animalettes on the ladder. Oakleigh’s last win was against Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team at Bennettswood Reserve, and they’ll be hoping to use that to their advantage. A big win here for the Animalettes will have them jump the ladder and serve them well for team belief.

Another tale of the season seems to be the fact that the Animalettes are once again without a bench this week, with only 17 players named. In the backline is Bec Herne, Kayla Hetherington at fullback and Amy Ronchi, with support from Jess Dawson, Sally Hood and Dee Burden at halfback. Grace de Cesare and Ashleigh Morley will share the wings, Maddy Hogan is in ruck, with Shellby Lonie, Sam Hogarth and Shanelle Blachford at her feet. In the attacking half of the ground, Jess Evans, Shannon Harris and Kate Lucas are sitting at half forward, with Bridget Monaghan and Sheridan Harris sharing the full forward role deep. Among the notable outs are Claire Anderson, Sam Bridgland and Tara Ingham.

Passion is high for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team. There’s a clean slate with no history at Oakeigh’s home ground and the Animalettes will be looking to leave with the battle firmly won on their side. Is the lack of players likely to inspire some on field heroics? Will another backline player score a goal? Get down to W.A Scammell Reserve and find out! First bounce is at 9.20am.

Mid Season Review - Women

Half the year has gone already, with only 6 games left of the 2019 season for Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team. At this stage, the Animalettes have played 8 games, and are sitting 7th on the ladder with 2 wins and 6 losses. Head Coach Roy Fenton isn’t shy about the situation, knowing full well that ‘we aren’t in the position we’d like to be’ but isn’t loath to admit that it hasn’t been easy ‘with a few injuries and girls unavailable in the last few games, it makes it hard with little to no rotations.’ An impressive aspect of the Animalettes this season has been the way the backline have held up under immense pressure. Consistency has been key, and it has shown in the way the team works in the back half. Claire Anderson’s season in the backline has been fantastic to see and Shellby Lonie has had a breakout season and cannot be contained, regardless of where she plays on the field. She is a stalwart in the backline and can take impressive intercept marks, but her ability to burst out of packs and make an impact on the scoreboard isn’t missed either. Fenton’s areas of particular improvement are in the intensity and endeavouring to be first to the footy, believing that tightening this up will make a difference in how his team controls the ball. In his second season as coach, he’s incredibly impressed with the improvement in skills from the players who played last season, and the addition of the new players has worked well. He knows that if the team continues to train hard, a win is not far away. Off-field, the Animalettes have continued to facilitate an environment that is non-judgemental and fun, whilst still maintaining and improving their football skills. The camaraderie shown really just proves how much they are a part of the Animals family. There have been moments of brilliance in each of the games the Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team have played this season, and once that becomes a full game, four-quarter effort, they’ll be unstoppable. The belief is there and it’s amazing to watch.

Sheridan Harris - Women's player

Mid Season Review - Seniors

Sitting 4th on the ladder the Seniors have lost two very winnable games after 1⁄2 time.

We are still working on understanding the game style and getting skills to a point where we can execute the game plan effectively.

The players have shown on a few occasions how good they can be, and this has been mentioned by opposition coaches, we just have to put a full 4 quarters together and start believing we are capable of being a competitive side in this competition and when we achieve this, I believe we can be very successful.

We are now running with 4 coaches between the two squads and this has seen a great improvement in players game and skill knowledge, we have now seen more intense training sessions now that we can split the players into smaller groups.

Having so many registered players can actually be a great problem to have for the seniors, as no positions are final. We have introduced a 27 player squad for the remainder of the season, with the plan to bolster and improve the side, getting some competition between the starters.

Our short‐term goal is to win the next 2 games, before our Byes. Strategically, the byes will set up us for the remainder of the season, giving injured players a chance to become available for selection, and those who have played hard, a well deserved rest.

Long term we want/need to finish in the top 2, I believe the squad is more than capable of this seeing the competition we have played.

For a squad that has really only played together (all players) 4 times. I am very pleased with the results thus far and with good training efforts and the enthusiasm the players are now bringing, we can improve each game and give ourselves every chance of success come the pointy end of the season.

Ian Ledder - Seniors Coach

Mid Season Review - Reserves

Coming into the season a little late, I was a bit nervous onto how I would adapt and fit in with the playing group as a previous player now coach. But from the first training session I came down, I could see that we have a special group. Having the registered number of players at 84 (and going up) it was going to be very difficult for the coaching panel to pick just 44 players, with a number of new faces coming down for their first years at the club, as well as some old faces returning to the Animals family.

Players such as Flynn Normand-McMahon, Zac Durrant, Zac Kearns and the Hunt brothers have slotted into the group seamlessly, with club “veterans” Adam Athorne, Steve Jones, “Chook” O’ Connor and Nic Glanville leading the way. Being six games into a fourteen-game season at 4 wins and 2 tight losses, we have started well and hopefully can continue this form going into the back half of the year.

Wins against Parkdale and North Brunswick have been fantastic, with great individual efforts from Harry Wines (Parkdale, 30+ disposals) and Tom Birkett (North Brunswick, 9 goals) highlighting the days.

A new game plan being introduced has had its hiccups as excepted, but with 3 wins on the trot the coaches can see the improvement from all players since the start of the season. The comradery and mateship shown from the boys has been the highlight of my year so far, with a lot of boys staying for Thursday night dinners, getting down early to watch the girls play and getting around the injured players.

We can go a long way with this Reserves team this season, and if we stick together the sky is the limit.

Sizzle Sizzle.

Tom Clarke - Reserves Coach